Read Proverbs 3:5-6
Happiness is fleeting. Just think how hard it is to be happy. The great Thomas Jefferson even had it right; we are only guaranteed the pursuit of happiness. Happiness is the emotional expression of contentment. This is why so many people suffer from the lack of happiness; they cannot be content. Contentment is that foundation that trusts completely in Jesus Christ. Contentment can be present in the best of circumstances, but it can also appear in the seemingly worst of circumstances.
Proverbs 16:20 tells us, “Whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he.” And Psalm 146:5 indicates that happiness comes to those who find their help and hope in God. The foundation for happiness is a proper relationship with the Lord. When our relationship with Him is right, then it doesn’t matter what is going on in our lives, we are content because we recognize that we are in His hand. However, to fully experience that happiness, we must build on that foundation in practical ways. I found this list of Ten Rules for Happier Living:
Give something away.
Do a kindness.
Give thanks always.
Work with vim and vigor.
Visit the elderly and learn from their experience.
Look intently into the face of a baby and marvel.
Laugh often—its life’s lubricant.
Pray to know God’s way.
Plan as though you will live forever—you will.
Live as though today is your last day on earth.
While I cannot promise you great riches on earth, I can promise that if you’ll begin to do these things in your life, great contentment will enter your heart and home, and the will be followed by true happiness. True happiness is found when you are content in Him.
“True contentment is a thing as active as agriculture. It is the power of getting out of any situation all that there is in it. It is arduous and it is rare.”
- Gilbert K. Chesterton
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